Belief in God and improved mental health.

A recent Harvard study of 159 mental health patients found that “Belief [in God] was associated with not only improved psychological well-being, but decreases in depression and intention to self-harm” (PsychCentral, April 26, 2013; Journal of Affective Disorders, April 25, 2013). In addition, “Patients with ‘no’ or only ‘slight’ belief in God were twice as likely not to respond to treatment as patients with higher levels of belief [in God]” (ibid.).

Study authors speculated that “results suggest that belief in the credibility of psychiatric treatment and increased expectations to gain from treatment might be mechanisms by which belief in God can impact treatment outcomes” (ibid.). However, this leaves out what Christians would consider “the obvious”—that it is God who heals (Exodus15:26; Psalm 103:3). It is not a belief in the procedure, but rather a belief in God to heal (Psalm 119:165).

However, faith in God also requires obedience to His commandments—like, “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13)—which forbids self-harm and ideas of suicide. God’s ways lead to “life” (Matthew 7:14), and those who put their faith in Him reap true rewards.

For more on this topic, review our free booklet, Does God Heal Today?